Menstrual bowls are getting smart too: Emm can detect the length and regularity of a woman's cycle
In wearable devices, menstrual cycle tracking has become a somewhat overdue technology. The Fitbit gadgets, for example, introduced the feature in 2018, 10 years after the company launched its first device. But Emm decided not just to add female health monitoring to a fitness tracker or smartwatch, but to develop a smart menstrual cup.
Details
It's a reusable cup that's made of medical silicone and contains biosensors. It is inserted using a tampon-like applicator and adapts to any body shape. To keep everything hygienic, the device comes with a portable disinfecting case that uses ultraviolet light to sterilise the bowl.
The Emm menstrual cup uses sensors to measure the amount and rate of discharge, the duration and regularity of the menstrual cycle. These readings can also help women with diagnoses such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis.
The cup connects to a mobile app which alerts you when it is full. The app can also create a downloadable PDF file that the owner can share with her doctor.
The developers assure that the app, sensors and servers are built in such a way that the company cannot access any biometric or identifiable user data.
It is not yet a fully finished product: the manufacturer is beta-testing Emm and is preparing to launch in 2023. Initially, the company plans to focus on the US, UK and European markets, but wants to bring Emm to the global market in the future. The cost of the menstrual cup is not yet known.